Choosing the best budget racing wheel can significantly enhance your racing simulation experience without breaking the bank. Our guide is here to help you navigate the options, focusing on affordability, user feedback, and unique features while not taking away from the fact these are still great racing wheels capable of providing excellent performances on the track.
Most of our selections include force feedback technology, which adds a layer of realism typically hard to find in budget models. For those prioritizing cost over features though, we also have several high-quality non-force feedback options if you want a great wheel but want to keep your outgoings to a minimum.
So, whether you seek heightened realism or a more cost-effective racing setup, our guide covers budget wheels for all consoles and platforms to help you find the perfect fit. Let's begin!
Best budget racing wheels
- Logitech G29 - best budget option overall
- Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition - a great choice for PS4
- Hori Racing Wheel Apex - a top pick for PS5
- Thrustmaster T128 X - an excellent Xbox alternative
- Thrustmaster TMX - great pick for PC
1. Logitech G29
Best budget racing wheel overall
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Logitech G29
The Logitech G29 stands out among our budget-friendly racing wheels for its premium quality. It's a versatile choice, compatible with major consoles and PCs, and boasts force feedback technology.
Logitech takes pride in its dual-motor feedback system, offering an immersive simulation of real-life driving conditions. The helical gearing system ensures smooth and quiet steering, enhancing the overall experience. Its 900-degree lock-to-lock rotation then enables precise handling too, allowing for effortless navigation through even the widest corners.
Despite its lower price, Logitech hasn't compromised on materials. The wheel features anodized aluminum spokes, a steel steering shaft, and a hand-stitched leather cover, lending it a premium feel.
Overall, the Logitech G29 is an impressive piece of equipment that deserves serious consideration for anyone looking to elevate their racing setup with a top force feedback racing wheel.
Reasons to buy:
- You get realistic force feedback at a low price
- Compatibile with all major platforms
- 900-degree lock-to-lock rotation for precise handling
Read More: Best sim racing deals
2. Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition
Best budget racing wheel for PS4
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition
The Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition stands tall as an incredible budget option. Amidst its inexpensive price tag, this wheel packs quite the punch with standout features that easily make it a frontrunner.
Its unique "Bungee Cord" mechanism is one highlight, delivering consistent and linear resistance across all your gaming moments, regardless of how far you turn the wheel. Sporting a 240-degree turning circle too, this system flawlessly re-centers itself after each twist, elevating precision and your grip on control.
On the console side, you get 11 action buttons along with a handy D-pad, making navigation through menus and tweaking in-game settings a breeze. Notable too is its metal-mounted sequential paddle shifters, ensuring lightning-fast and seamless gear changes.
Sized at 28cm in diameter, the wheel's textured rubber cladding significantly ups the ante on grip, particularly during those marathon gaming sessions. This, along with its other features, makes it a prime choice for your home setup, promising comfort and control during those adrenaline-pumping racing showdowns.
Reasons to buy:
- A realistic wheel that's perfect for the PS4
- It has plenty of additional buttons on the console to map
- Its textured rubber cladding improves grip
Read More: Best racing game deals
3. Hori Racing Wheel Apex
Best budget racing wheel for PS5
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Hori Racing Wheel Apex
The Hori Racing Wheel Apex is arguably one of the best wheels for PS5 on a budget thanks to its incredibly inexpensive price tag, and the fact Sony officially licenses it.
You get a 270-degree rotation here, with completely adjustable dead zones via the companion application. You can also set up four different profiles using the app. Therefore, you can easily switch between driving setups depending on the game you're playing, thus avoiding having to manually adjust your settings every time.
The wheel also features paddle shifters, its own D-pad, and adjustable buttons which you can assign to some of your most-used in-game mechanics using the companion app.
With a full-size pedal set and a sturdy clamping system as well, we feel there's plenty to like about this Hori device. Make sure you check it out if it's a budget wheel you're after for your PS5, or check out the near-identical Hori Overdrive if you're after a wheel for Xbox instead.
Reasons to buy:
- It's much cheaper than some of its rivals
- It comes with a sturdy set of pedals
- You can set up four different profiles using the app
Read More: Best sim racing handbrakes
4. Thrustmaster T128 X
Best budget racing wheel for Xbox
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T128 X
For Xbox, the Thrustmaster T128 X is an excellent pick as it is packed with some of Thrustmaster's most advanced technology to improve your home racing experience.
At the heart of its features is the revolutionary HYBRID DRIVE force feedback wheel base system. Boasting 20% more power compared to other Thrustmaster hybrid racing wheels, it ensures an immersive and realistic feel as you navigate through your favorite racing games.
But that's not all; the T128 X offers an impressive 900-degree rotation angle, providing unparalleled control and precision. Plus, with H.E.A.R.T technology integrated into the magnetic gear shifters and pedals, you can rest assured that their accuracy remains consistent over time, delivering a seamless gaming experience.
Ultimately, this Thrustmaster device stands out as one of the best wheels for the Xbox Series X and One consoles. Fear not though, there is also a PlayStation variation if you're interested in this wheel in particular. Find out more about the Thrustmaster T128 in our review.
Reasons to buy:
- The HYBRID DRIVE force feedback system is incredibly powerful
- Thrustmaster's H.E.A.R.T innovation essentially ensures longevity
- You can buy a version for PlayStation too
Read More: Best sim racing pedals
5. Thrustmaster TMX
Best budget racing wheel for PC
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Thrustmaster TMX
As touched on in our summary of this wheel, the Thrustmaster TMX is another great inexpensive option from Thrustmaster to consider, suitable for some of your favorite PC-only titles like iRacing and Assetto Corsa.
One of its standout features is its 270 to 900-degree adjustable rotation for added control during wider turns. Plus, with force feedback, the wheel allows you to feel every detail while racing, including loss of grip, track relief, and impact.
Thrustmaster also boasts that the wheel's optical reading with a 12-bit resolution allows it to deliver excellent precision along the steering axis when you need it most.
Finally, the wheel features a rubber coating and two wheel-mounted shifters made of metal to ensure it can withstand the wear and tear of home racing over time. Overall, we'd say this Thrustmaster device is well worth checking out for your PC setup.
Reasons to buy:
- Customizable in many ways, including the rotation angle
- Provides precision on the track thanks to its 12-bit resolution
- Its rubber coating is grippy and durable
Read More: Best sim racing shifters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you are new to buying a racing wheel, you may have many questions. No need to worry though! We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you out.
How much should you spend on a budget racing wheel?
Deciding on the best racing wheel for your setup largely depends on your budget and how much youāre willing to invest. With the numerous options available, identifying what constitutes a "budget" device can be challenging.
In our view, a budget racing wheel is typically priced at $250/Ā£250 or less. If you're set on finding an affordable option, itās wise to aim for something within this price range. Thankfully, there are many high-quality devices available that donāt sacrifice performance or features, as evidenced by our list.
Taking the time to explore your options is worthwhile, as there's undoubtedly an excellent budget racing wheel out there that will meet your needs.
Do all budget racing wheels come with force feedback?
While direct drive and the best direct drive wheels may be out of the question, force feedback remains a viable option on a budget. It should be noted, though, that not all budget wheels come equipped with standard force feedback technology, especially the most inexpensive ones available.
Nevertheless, our list demonstrates that there are still numerous reasonably priced wheels that offer force feedback to enhance your gaming experience. It's important to double-check the specs of the wheel you're planning to purchase though, just to ensure it features force feedback technology if that's what you're after.
Do you need a separate stand or mounting system for a racing wheel?
Buying a dedicated stand or mount for your sim racing wheel depends on personal preference and the needs of your setup However, owning a stand or mount can offer several benefits, particularly when it comes to enhancing stability during intense gameplay or force feedback effects. Preventing excessive movement or vibration, a wheel stand contributes to a more immersive and realistic sim racing experience.
Moreover, a stand or mount allows you to adjust the wheel's position to a comfortable height and angle, reducing strain on your arms and wrists during long gaming sessions. Adjustable mounts provide flexibility in customizing the positioning according to your preferences.
Nevertheless, it's important to consider that purchasing a wheel stand or mount incurs additional costs and requires quite a bit of space. Consequently, you may want to mount your wheel directly to a desk or even create your own custom mount instead of buying a pre-made one.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a stand or mount depends on your specific preferences, budget, and the level of immersion and stability you prioritize in your sim racing setup.
Are pedals and a shifter needed to complete a sim racing setup?
Pedals and a shifter are not strictly required to complete a sim racing setup, but they can greatly enhance the realism and immersion of the experience depending on the game you're playing.
Pedals are perhaps the more essential component of the two as they provide realistic control over the accelerator, brake, and clutch (if equipped). High-quality pedals often offer features like adjustable pedal resistance, load cell technology for more precise braking, and a more immersive feel. While you can technically use a controller keyboard, or buttons on your wheel for throttle and brake inputs, a dedicated pedal set is highly recommended for a more authentic driving experience.
A shifter adds an extra layer of realism for certain gaming titles as they allow you to manually shift gears, simulating the experience of driving a real manual transmission vehicle. While many modern racing cars use paddle shifters on the steering wheel, some sim racing enthusiasts prefer the tactile feel of a physical shifter. Shifter setups are especially popular among fans of racing simulators that focus on vintage or classic cars, as well as certain genres of rally racing games.
So, while pedals and a shifter are not mandatory to start sim racing, they significantly enhance the overall experience and immersion. The choice to invest in pedals and a shifter depends on your preferences, the type of racing you enjoy, and your desire for a more realistic driving experience.
Can a racing wheel be used with a VR headset?
Yes, a racing wheel can be used with a top VR headset to enhance the immersive experience.
In virtual reality, driving in-game will feel far closer to real life with a racing wheel in your hand, especially compared to a controller. In fact, a controller can be quite tricky to use as you can't see what you're doing, whereas using a wheel has a familiarity to it as many of us drive a car every week already.
Ideally, you'll want to pair a VR headset with a wheel that features some sort of haptic feedback to simulate the feeling of the road surface, bumps, and other driving sensations. Without this, you won't quite get that same level of realism while wearing a VR headset.
Just keep in mind that not all racing wheels and VR headsets are compatible with all racing games and consoles. It's therefore essential to check the compatibility of your specific racing wheel and VR headset with the games you want to play. For more information, check out our guide on the best VR headsets for racing games.
Are racing wheels adjustable?
Racing wheels usually come with several adjustable settings to personalize things to your preferences. For example, you can sometimes alter steering sensitivity, determining how much your in-game wheel responds to your physical movements on the racing wheel. Certain wheels provide the option to modify the virtual steering wheel's rotation angle too, influencing the degree of physical wheel turn required for a complete full turn in-game.
Models equipped with feedback settings typically allow for adjustments in feedback effects such as vibration, resistance, and movement intensity. These settings are usually adjustable, allowing you to create a more authentic and immersive experience to your specifications.
Adding to this, most racing wheels come with buttons and controls that can be customized to align with your preferences or mirror the controls of the game you're playing. However, the range of adjustability may vary among different models, so make sure you double-check what can be adjusted with the wheel you're eyeing before you buy.
Are sim racing wheels suitable for beginners?
Yes, sim racing wheels are great for beginners. A wheel can enhance the gaming experience and help improve driving skills by providing a more intuitive and immersive control compared to gamepads or keyboards. The wheel and pedal setup mimic real car controls, so they reduce the learning curve needed to get to grips with using them seeing as many of us are used to using a wheel and pedals in real life.
Many sim racing wheels feature feedback technology as well, replicating real driving sensations and thus helping beginners develop a better sense of car control and understand traction loss or understeer/oversteer. A dedicated wheel is more precise and fluid than with a gamepad too, making it an excellent choice for newcomers.
If you do go for a wheel, choosing a budget one is probably a sensible choice as a beginner, as you don't have to break the bank on something you're not entirely familiar with as well.